Quest Bulgaria Property and Lifestyle Magazine

The summer heatwave across Bulgaria makes this cooling yoghurt and cucumber soup absolutely perfect if you need to cool down! However, don't be put off by the fact this is a cold soup, on a hot day or a warm late summer's evening, it makes a very pleasant starter or a refreshing snack. Plus, it's perfect for vegetarians!

Making the very best of Bulgaria's 'bio' produce and its world-famous natural yoghurt, this dish is so simple to prepare and yet incredibly delicious.

Bulgarian Sarmi are leaves of various kinds, stuffed with a mixture based on either meat or rice. Certain regions use lettuce or vine leaves and the most common variation is pickled cabbage leaves.

If you are preparing this out of Bulgaria, then use any kind of cabbage leaves!

Further to our recent article about Mussel farming in Bulgaria (Click to Read...) we thought we would bring you this classic French recipe which not only makes the most of this fabulous fresh seafood, but also the organic fresh herbs available here in Bulgaria.

As soon as the winter months have faded and we start to enjoy the warmer months of summer, one can’t help thinking of the fabulous Bulgarian salads - with all that wonderful fresh produce. Shopska salad (shopska salata) is one the the most popular salads in Bulgaria and can be found on just about every Bulgarian menu.

Traditionally, most Bulgarians would normally accompany this salad with a glass of rakia - however, I prefer a glass of chilled Bulgarian Chardonnay - Perfect!

Windy Hills lies on the main Sofia to Bourgas highway close to the town of Sliven and is renowned for its cultivation of high quality red grapes. Not many wineries can boast four star accommodations on-site. In front of the modern winery in the centre of the vineyard there is an impressive hotel full of traditional architecture and style. The hotel offers 11 comfortable double rooms, where guests can relax after a day’s wine tasting and sightseeing.

This is a wine with an attractive deep ruby red colour. Its nose is extremely intense with a charming bouquet of flavours, predominantly ripe fruits of the forest, particularly blackcurrant and raspberry. There is also a hint of vanilla and soft oak, which comes from the way the wine was matured in small barriques. The taste is very complex, with a strong beginning and lasting presence.

This wine is a perfect accompaniment to rich and spicy dishes, red meats, pasta and cheeses and at 13 lv. a bottle it is a wine you can present with pride at any occasion.